Twin Saults make history with formal partnership

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

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Posted Aug. 17, 2012 at 3:00 PM

Posted Aug. 17, 2012 at 3:00 PM

Sault, Ont.

Following a signing ceremony Thursday, the Twin Saults have made history by becoming the first Canada/U.S. border communities to sign a formal Sister City Agreement. The partnership not only enhances the relationship between the two municipalities, it is also expected to pave the way for increased economic development initiatives, educational and cultural exchanges, and other cooperative ventures.

With previous motions passed by their respective city councils, Sault (Ontario) Mayor Debbie Amaroso and Sault (Michigan) Mayor Anthony Bosbous signed the formal agreement at the Civic Centre on the Canadian side of the border. The Twin Saults now have the official moniker of Two Nations, One City.

“The relationship between our communities is as strong as it is unique,” said Mayor Amaroso. “We not only share a name but also have a long-standing, cooperative connection dating back hundreds of years. We share a common interest to do the best for our communities, for our families and our neighbors.”

These comments were echoed by Mayor Bosbous. “Our cities share more than the St. Marys River and International Bridge,” he said. “We have a personal connection, and many of us have friends and family on the other side of the border. We have celebrated together at the same functions, and in times of crisis, we have banded together and provided comfort to one another.”

The Sister City Agreement and formal signing ceremony were part of Celebrate 100! 1912 - 2012, the year-long festivities commemorating the centennial anniversary of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The formal agreement signed Thursday speaks to the fact that its neighbor to the south has been a key part of the Ontario Sault’s 100-year history as a city.

Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporations of both Ontario and Michigan, who coordinated the Sister City Agreement and signing ceremony, hope the formal partnership will lead to further cooperation between the two communities, particularly with respect to the private sector.

“We’ve always been warm and welcoming neighbors, and we anticipate that this formal agreement will pave the way for future business partnerships between our two cities,” said Don Mitchell, president and board chair of the Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario) Economic Development Corp. “As bright as the past has been for both communities, we see the next century shining even brighter with promise and opportunity.”